The Ulster Unionist Leader is warning that Sinn Fein will use the forthcoming talks being convened by the Secretary of State to try to force the EU-backed proposal back onto the political agenda.
Mr Nesbitt said:
“I spoke to Peter Robinson earlier to outline my concerns and invite him to join me in a joint approach to Brussels to make clear this project will not fly. I am hopeful he and I will undertake an early visit to Brussels, working with unionist MEPs Jim Nicholson and Diane Dodds to ensure the pro-union case is well aired and understood by key figures in the European Parliament.
“As far as a so-called peace centre is concerned, we have no objection to a centre reflecting our collective journey towards peace, but it has to be one which is fair and balanced in reflecting who were victims and who created them. Building a centre at the Maze will simply distort history and place too much emphasis on terrorists rather than the impact of terror on the population.
“I understand Martin McGuinness will be in Brussels this week, ahead of the start of Theresa Villiers’ talks. Aside from the fact that his people are trying to portray it as an official visit by the Deputy First Minister, which it clearly is not, the trip should not go unchallenged.
“I believe Peter Robinson and I should present a joint front to underline that unionism is united on this, and also to make broader points with regard to Northern Ireland’s future direction.
“Jim Nicholson and Diane Dodds are in Brussels as our two pro-union MEPs. I have also spoken to Jim, who is confident he and Diane can work together to bring on a series of meetings with the leaders of the main blocks in the European Parliament. Remember, under the latest reforms of how the EU works, the Parliament is more powerful and influential than ever before. We should not leave the pitch clear for Sinn Fein spin.”